Modern Xiaomi Redmi smartphones are equipped with many hidden features that most users do not even know. QR-It turns out that the scanner does more than just read codes in the supermarket.
In this article, we will take a look at all the scanner scenarios in Xiaomi Redmi phones, from basic to advanced, how to pay bills, translate texts in real time, scan documents for work and even diagnose problems with technology, and we will also reveal hidden scanner settings that Xiaomi does not advertise in official instructions, but which can save you time and nerves.
1. Reading QR-Codes: from payment to authorization
The most obvious feature of the scanner in Xiaomi Redmi is working with the QR-But what's not widely known is that it not only opens links, but also opens links:
- ๐ณ Pay for purchases through Mi Pay, SberPay or other payment systems (the scanner automatically recognizes the details of the seller).
- ๐ Log in applications (for example, WhatsApp Web or VKontakte without manual code entry).
- ๐ก Connect to Wi-Fi without entering a password โ just scan the code from the back of the router.
- ๐๏ธ Verify the authenticity of tickets (air, railway, concerts) and electronic passes.
To use this feature, you don't even need to install third-party applications.
- Open Camera โ go to Scanner mode (or hold your finger on the screen to call the context menu).
- Put the lens on QR-code โ the smartphone automatically recognizes it and offers an action (open a link, save a contact, etc.).
โ ๏ธ Attention: Don't scan. QR-Attackers can mask phishing links or malicious scripts as codes from unknown sources. URL manually (to do this, hold your finger on a recognized link).
2.Scanning barcodes: checking goods and prices
The scanner in Redmi can work not only with QR, but also with barcodes (EAN-13, UPC, etc.).
- ๐ Price comparisons in different stores (apps like Yandex.Market or SberMegaMarket will show where the product is cheaper).
- ๐ฆ โข Authentication of medicines, cosmetics or electronics (some brands allow you to track the history of goods by code).
- ๐ Adding books to a collection (for example, in Goodreads or LitRes).
- ๐ Product composition recognition (Clean Label or Calorizer applications decipher food barcodes).
To scan the barcodes:
- Open the Scanner app (if not, install Google Lens or Barcode Scanner from the Play Market).
- Select the Barcode mode and point the camera at the label.
- Wait for recognition โ the smartphone will show the name of the product, the article and offer options for action.
| Type of code | Example of use | Recognition application |
|---|---|---|
| QR-code | Payment in cafes, authorization in social networks | Integrated MIUI scanner |
| EAN-13 | Authentication of perfumes | CheckMark, Barcode Lookup |
| DataMatrix | Scanning movie tickets | Google Lens |
| PDF417 | Reading of electronic train tickets | PassWallet |
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If the scanner doesn't recognize the barcode, try turning on the flashlight or changing the angle of the phone, sometimes cleaning the camera's lens from dust and fingerprints helps.
3. Document scanning: digital archive in the phone
The Xiaomi Redmi scanner can turn your smartphone into a portable document scanner.
- ๐ Digitization of passports, driving licenses (useful for online banks or hotel reservations).
- ๐ Retention of receipts and cheques (for example, for warranty maintenance of equipment).
- ๐ Scanning of diplomas and certificates (can be sent to the employer electronically).
- ๐ Archiving of multi-page contracts (with automatic alignment and quality improvement).
For this:
- Open the Document Scanner application (included in the MIUI package or install CamScanner/Adobe Scan).
- Point the camera at the document โ the smartphone will automatically find the boundaries and take a picture.
- Edit the result: trim the edges, improve contrast, or convert to PDF.
โ ๏ธ Warning: When scanning your passport or other ID cards, turn off automatic cloud upload (settings) โ Keep such files only in secure storage (e.g., Mi Cloud with two-factor authentication).
Make sure the document is on a flat surface.|
Turn on good lighting (avoid shadows) |
Clean the camera lens of dust |
Turn off the Portrait mode in the camera settings-->
4. Real-time translation of text
The scanner translation feature is available in Xiaomi Redmi thanks to integration with Google Lens or Mi Translate.
- ๐ Read foreign inscriptions on signs, menus or packages of goods.
- ๐ Translate pages of books or documents without manual text entry.
- ๐ฌ Conversation in another language (Conversation mode in Google Translate).
How it works:
- Open Google Lens (or Mi Translate in models for China).
- Point the camera at the text - highlight the desired fragment.
- Select languages to translate (e.g. English into Russian).
- Get the result in real time with saving the formatting.
This feature is especially useful when traveling or working with foreign documentation, for example, you can scan the manual for the equipment in Chinese and get it translated into Russian in a few seconds.
How to improve the quality of translation?
5. AR-measurement 3D-scan
Few people know, but the scanner in Xiaomi Redmi (starting with models on the Snapdragon 7xx/8xx) supports augmented reality (AR) features for:
- ๐ Measurements of distances (e.g. wall length or furniture height).
- ๐ช Visualization of items in the interior (what will look like a new sofa in your room).
- ๐ฎ AR-games and applications (e.g, Pokรฉmon GO or IKEA Place).
For AR-measurement:
- Install the Google Measure app (or AR Ruler from the Play Market).
- Point the camera to the surface and mark two points โ the program will calculate the distance between them.
- For 3D-scanning 3D Scanner App (you need to slowly circle the object).
The accuracy of these measurements is ยฑ1-2 cm, which is enough for household tasks, for example, you can quickly measure the dimensions of the equipment before buying or check whether the cabinet will enter the niche.
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AR-functions require good lighting and texture surface (smooth walls or mirrors can knock down the scanner).
6. Diagnostics of machinery and equipment
The scanner in Redmi can be a tool for diagnosing malfunctions in household appliances or electronics.
- ๐ง Reading service codes on the device body (e.g., air conditioning or washing machine models).
- ๐ Barcode battery check (some applications show production date and capacity).
- ๐ฅ๏ธ Definition of PC components (scanning codes on the motherboard or graphics card to search for drivers).
For this:
- Scan the code on your device using Google Lens or a specialized application (such as Device Info).
- Check the results in the manufacturerโs database (often the code contains information about the serial number and release date).
This method is especially useful when buying used equipment โ it helps to make sure that you are not a fake or an expired device.
7. Hidden scanner features: what is silent Xiaomi
In addition to the standard features, MIUI has undocumented scanner chips, which the manufacturer does not tell about:
- ๐ Image search: scan the brand logo or product packaging โ Google Lens will show analogues and reviews.
- ๐ต Music recognition: point the camera at the album cover or concert poster โ the smartphone will find tracks in Shazam or Yandex.Music.
- ๐ฟ Plant definition: Take a picture of a leaf or flower โ PlantNet or Google Lens app will name the species and give tips on care.
- ๐ Reading VIN-Car codes (to check the history of the car before buying).
To activate these functions:
- Hold your finger on the screen in Scanner Mode โ select Additional Options.
- Turn on the switches next to the desired functions (e.g. Image Search).
โ ๏ธ Note: Some features may require an internet connection and send data to Google or Xiaomi servers. If you are interested in privacy, disable these options in settings or use offline applications (for example, Offline). QR Code Reader).